A new study released by Ohio State University has found a link between the quality of the mother -- relationship and teenage obesity. Joining me now to explain the findings and discuss the implications of pediatric nutritionist doctor keep a U doctor you great to see you could hope we had very nice holiday did they do so let about the study and what it tells us. What it was -- music -- -- out of Ohio state university at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Center for child development and it looked at children's. Mother -- will the bonding between mothers and children and a young age it's ages fifteen months 24 months and 36 months and compared -- With how likely they were to be obese. At age fifteen years and it was astounding because the -- the children who had a much. Weaker bonding with their parent and a much sort of a more strained relationships -- that was in the secure. A mother child bond were much more likely to be obese at age fifty. Very interesting that this look at fathers whether there was a complete family unit now it it didn't and -- and I I have sort of you know as a -- I sort of think well you know it it doesn't always have to be about -- -- Fathers here OK well we're just -- -- -- But I'm but the truth is for for logistical purposes of this that -- had to get you populations. They probably an. Option to reason and how dramatic with a different from what they define as a close relations with a sorted out their own scale -- they rated things like the child's ability to separate and return to other. It is a good thing -- right -- -- and whether or not but that was an attachment that was very sick here's that if the mothers -- was there were respond appropriately. And you know -- they rated sort of war room for these. Six point that you can point every time there with. Lack of a positive response that -- -- score with less attachment so if the child. Scores would be. You indicative. Of the weaker. Child now why do researchers think that is wineries if you think this -- -- -- on. Is expressing itself. In the teenage years in the form whether or not -- Well because stress responses can often result EEN. I would in one of the things that the yen that the office did point out that -- editorialized that we ought to be responding to be released a warning. The strengthening their child as opposed to putting a lot of focus on diet and exercise I would countered that. While that might be a good thing to do. You can't separate diet and physical activity -- From mother child in Iraq should be on stage is that's part of what you do something because let's say that day. Mother and -- very relationship but the mother herself. Has stressed issues and uses food as a -- exactly what the child and learned behavior that would very likely and also depends on what the what is response is to you -- or child or child. Are you gonna reinforced child cries you -- -- -- right that's the case -- it. It works in the short term to stop the child from crime but that's not why the child's -- the biggest issue right the parents are always responding to -- child by giving -- child and wondered. The only way to cope with stress is to go when he is accused of any short term the service is obviously just one piece of the puzzle when it -- -- its rights one piece of the puzzle optical picture to show boat that. Children with a weaker -- their child where. Twice as likely. To be obese teens but now what we let's say that this has happened child they -- with maybe not the best bond with their mother is something -- -- Iran. -- -- These there's talk about street ons like child early childhood is that does happen. It -- Some reason to think that maybe we shouldn't put -- -- -- on you know. It's fast food making your kids at. School meals and -- -- -- -- problem. And -- -- -- -- understand from studies that the family -- contributes to lower -- -- -- -- to -- -- -- in the -- but it isn't important it -- -- important. But also developing good responses. In its -- -- provide -- -- -- -- secure environment that they know. That they can always go to was safe haven with -- also teach them when it's appropriate eat it it's not appropriate right really thinks that stress is one thing but it doesn't mean it always has to be responded to buy food -- also stressed out this that he didn't really. Look a lot of that -- you know -- -- appeared when he relationship problems that counts either or. Whole host -- psychosocial issues I think that he sectors continue to look into the high hopes of that to me the other half of I would even go further take even earlier -- within. That you monstrous because she's got two kids need to be should be supporting the plan -- -- -- are back -- because if -- monstrous that would ticket she's going to be. -- -- you thank you so -- a fascinating topic and --

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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{"id":15248988,"title":"Mother-Child Bond and Teen Obesity","duration":"5:39","description":"Study suggests that a poor maternal relationship could lead to teen obesity.","url":"/Health/video/mother-child-bond-teen-obesity-15248988","section":"Health","mediaType":"Default"}